Dynamic code payment card verification with cross-channel authentication

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems for authorizing a payment card transaction using a dynamic code accessed from a first device and a presence of a second device. The dynamic code can be accessed on a first device when the second device is within a proximity of the first device (e.g., electronically paired using a short-range communication protocol, on the same local area network). The system can receive a request for authorization of a transaction using the payment card and can include a verification code associated with the payment card and an identifier of the payment card, and the payment card can have the associated dynamic code. The verification code can be compared with a value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction. In response to the verification code matching the dynamic code at the time of the transaction, the system can authorize the transaction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/781,502, filed on Dec. 18, 2018, entitled “DYNAMIC CODE PAYMENT CARD VERIFICATION WITH CROSS-CHANNEL AUTHENTICATION,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Payment card transactions come with inherent risk that an unauthorized person can use the payment card. To combat fraudulent transactions, most payment cards include three types of security codes or credit verification values (CVV). The first type of CVV is called CVV1 (also known as SCV, CVC1, and CSC) and is used for transactions in which the card is present (i.e., card present transactions or CP transactions) because this CVV is encoded into the magnetic stripe of the payment card and the CVV is automatically retrieved when the magnetic stripe of a card is swiped on a point-of-sale device and is verified by the issuer.

The second type of CVV is called CVV2 (also known as CID, CSC, CID, CVC2, and unique card code) and is used for transactions in which the cardholder does not or cannot physically present the card for a merchant's visual examination at the time of payment or when the order is given and payment effected (e.g., mail-order transactions, over the telephone transactions or Internet transactions). Such transactions are called card not present transactions (CNP). CNP transactions are even more fraught with fraud because merchants cannot verify that the actual cardholder is indeed authorizing a purchase or has possession of the card, thus, the CVV2 is an anti-fraud security feature to help verify CNP purchases are authorized. For Visa/MasterCard, the CVV2 is a three-digit CVV number printed on the back of the card. For American Express, the security code is a four digit number on the front of the card placed above the card number. Cardholders are asked to provide the CVV2 during certain CNP transactions. For example, cardholders may be asked to provide the CVV2 for the first CNP transaction with a merchant.

The third type of CVV, also known as CVV3, is a chip on the card. Similar to CVV, CVV3 is used during transactions in which the cardholder is physically present at the merchant.

The CVV is helpful in preventing fraud but has its limitations that allow for unauthorized transactions that may require new cards to be sent to customers, both of which can be costly for financial institutions. Beyond the CVV, additional security may be desired to prevent unauthorized transactions, particularly in situations in which multiple payment cards are used for the same account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of devices on which some implementations can operate.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an environment in which some implementations can operate.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components which, in some implementations, can be used in a system employing the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process used in some implementations for restricting use of a payment card using a digital code and a second device.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process used in some implementations for authorizing a payment card transaction using a dynamic code and a second device.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process used in some implementations for authorizing a payment card transaction using a dynamic code and a second device.

The techniques introduced here may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Moreover, while the technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the technology to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the technology is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Current systems that restrict usage of payment cards prevent a transaction from being completed typically determine what the user is trying to purchase and where the user is attempting to make the purchase. After the user has attempted the transaction and the data is analyzed, the transaction can be denied or approved. For example, some systems prevent the user from completing a purchase based on the type of purchase or category of store. To determine this restriction, the user must input or provide their payment information to the point of sale and the request for authorization has to have been made so that an authorizing entity can evaluate the transaction. In cases where feasible, identifying the restriction prior to providing payment information is desirable. For example, a user can have a bad experience if the user's card is not authorized after the user has selected items for purchase.

This disclosure describes technology that has the flexibility to restrict payment card usage proactively (i.e., before authorization is requested) using a dynamic code and a proximity of or pairing with a first device (i.e., requesting device) and a second device (i.e., authorizing device). As described in more detail below, as a security measure, a payment card can be associated with a dynamic code. To complete a purchase, the user can be required to obtain the dynamic code and provide it to the website, point-of-sale, cashier, etc. Typically, the user will obtain the dynamic code via an application on a device associated with the user. Before completing a purchase, the user can be required to provide a valid dynamic code associated with the payment card. To restrict the user's use of the payment card, the dynamic code can be accessible to the user when a certain second device is within a proximity (e.g., electronically paired with, on the same local area network, within a distance of) the user's device. That is, the dynamic code will not be available unless the second device is within a proximity of the user's device and thus the user is restricted from completing a transaction. In other implementations, the second device can transmit the dynamic code to the user's device with the second device is within a proximity of or paired with the user's device. In other implementations, the dynamic code can be available to the user but the authorizing entity will not authorize the transaction unless the first device is within a proximity of the second device. Such additional security may be desirable when there are multiple users of a card (e.g., spouses, parent-child). In an example, a child cannot make a purchase using the shared payment card if the parent's device is not within a proximity of or paired with the child's device.

The following paragraphs disclose information about the dynamic code and how it can be used to restrict transactions proactively. In typical payment card transactions, a card security code such as a CVV, CVV2 (i.e., in the magnetic stripe, printed on the back of the card, on the front above the account number), or CVV3 (i.e., chip) included on the payment card is provided to the payment card issuer to prevent an unauthorized user from using the payment card. Some payment card transactions can be authorized using a dynamic code that is not included on the payment card. That is, the CVV2 (or other code required for a transaction) can be digitized and rotated such that the CVV2 can be reset with a new CVV2 prompt/entry with breached merchants to prevent payment card redistribution, among other things.

In such circumstances, a payment card issuer can issue a payment card to a user. Instead of (or in addition to) being associated with a CVV2 (or similar security measures), the payment card can be associated with a dynamic code or token that the user can provide when requesting a transaction that uses the payment card. The dynamic code can be generated by the payment issuer system (or a third party) and can be provided to the user via a channel accessed by the user (e.g., a verification application on the user's device). In some implementations, the dynamic code can be generated by a third party (e.g., First Data), and if the third party's system is unavailable, then another party's (e.g., Mastercard, VISA, or American Express's) system can be used. The dynamic code can be, for example, three or four digits and can be changed periodically, randomly, or upon request. The dynamic code can remove the need for security codes such as CVV2 (or similar codes such as CVC2 or CID) on the payment card, and in some embodiments, can remove the need for an expiration date on the card.

To obtain the dynamic code, the user can request access to the dynamic code via a channel. For example, the user can provide authentication credentials to an application or web portal and obtain the dynamic code via the application or the web portal.

When requesting a transaction, the user can provide the dynamic code (referred to as a verification code when provided to the merchant system) to the merchant system, which in turn passes the verification code along with other transaction information (e.g., account number, time, merchant identifier, merchant location) to the payment card issuer system for authorization of the transaction. The payment card issuer system can obtain the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction and compare it to the verification code provided by the user to the merchant. The “time of the transaction” is generally when the merchant received the transaction request. However, in some implementations the time of the transaction refers to when the payment card issuer receives the authorization request. The payment card issuer system can send an authorization to the merchant system when the verification code matches the dynamic code that was active at the time of the transaction.

The dynamic code can be used in CNP transactions (e.g., input into a merchant website, spoken or provided over the phone) or during CP transactions (e.g., input into a kiosk at a physical location of the merchant).

The dynamic code can be used to restrict transactions, some of which can be particularly useful when a payment card has multiple users (e.g., parent-child). For example, before allowing a user to access a dynamic code and thus complete a purchase, the authorizing entity can check whether the user and/or user's device is within a proximity of a specified second device. “Within a proximity” can mean the first device is within a certain distance of the second device, that the first device and the second device are on the same local area network (or can access the same local area network), or that the first device and the second device are paired using a short-range communications protocol such as Bluetooth or near field communications (NFC). In response to the second device being paired with or within a proximity of the user's device, the dynamic code can be accessed by the user. In some embodiments, the dynamic code is sent from the second device via a communications protocol to the user's device. In other embodiments, the dynamic code is not sent from the second device to the first device, but the second device is required to be within a proximity of the first device in order for the first device to access the dynamic code. Thus, prior to attempting a purchase, the user can look at their mobile application and see whether the dynamic code is available. In some embodiments, an icon can allow the user to know whether the dynamic code is available (e.g., flashing icon, colors on the icon). Other embodiments are contemplated:

-   -   Instead of the user being restricted from access to the dynamic         code, the transaction simply won't be authorized without         verification of the proximity of the second device.     -   The dynamic code may be available even if the second device is         not within the predefined proximity or paired with the user's         device, but the user's credit limit is capped. The application         providing the dynamic code can provide such information to the         user.

Further security measures can be used. For example, the authorizing entity can check whether the user requesting the transaction actually accessed the channel (e.g., mobile application) that provided the dynamic code within a time period of the transaction request. This can ensure that the user did not guess the dynamic code or use a second device to generate the dynamic code.

This disclosure describes systems and processes designed to increase security of a payment card transaction using a dynamic code generated on a first device and a proximity or pairing of the first device relative to or with to a second device.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present technology. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present technology may be practiced without some of these specific details

Suitable System

Several implementations are discussed below in more detail in reference to the figures. Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of devices on which some implementations of the disclosed technology can operate. The devices can comprise hardware components of a device 100 that manage payment card transaction authorizations. Device 100 can include one or more input devices 120 that provide input to the CPU (processor) 110, notifying it of actions. The actions are typically mediated by a hardware controller that interprets the signals received from the input device and communicates the information to the CPU 110 using a communication protocol. Input devices 120 include, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, an infrared sensor, a touchpad, a wearable input device, a camera- or image-based input device, a microphone, or other user input devices.

CPU 110 can be a single processing unit or multiple processing units in a device or distributed across multiple devices. CPU 110 can be coupled to other hardware devices, for example, with the use of a bus, such as a PCI bus or SCSI bus. The CPU 110 can communicate with a hardware controller for devices, such as for a display 130. Display 130 can be used to display text and graphics. In some examples, display 130 provides graphical and textual visual feedback to a user. In some implementations, display 130 includes the input device as part of the display, such as when the input device is a touchscreen or is equipped with an eye direction monitoring system. In some implementations, the display 130 is separate from the input device. Examples of display devices are: a LCD display screen; a LED display screen; a projected, holographic, or augmented reality display (such as a heads-up display device or a head-mounted device); and so on. Other I/O devices 140 can also be coupled to the processor, such as a network card, video card, audio card, USB, FireWire or other external device, camera, printer, speakers, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, disk drive, or Blu-Ray device.

In some implementations, the device 100 also includes a communication device capable of communicating wirelessly or wire-based with a network node. The communication device can communicate with another device or a server through a network using, for example, TCP/IP protocols. Device 100 can utilize the communication device to distribute operations across multiple network devices.

The CPU 110 can have access to a memory 150. A memory 150 includes one or more of various hardware devices for volatile and non-volatile storage, and can include both read-only and writable memory. For example, a memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), CPU registers, read-only memory (ROM), and writable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard drives, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic storage devices, tape drives, device buffers, and so forth. A memory 150 is not a propagating signal divorced from underlying hardware; a memory is thus non-transitory. A memory 150 can include program memory 160 that stores programs and software, such as an operating system 162, payment card authorization platform 164, and other application programs 166. A memory 150 can also include data memory 170 that can include payment card identifiers, user identifying information such as addresses or zip codes, whether the user has installed the verification application on a device, dynamic codes, historical transaction information, expiration dates etc., which can be provided to the program memory 160 or any element of the device 100.

Some implementations can be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the technology include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, cellular telephones, wearable electronics, gaming consoles, tablet devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an environment 200 in which some implementations of the disclosed technology can operate. Environment 200 can include one or more client computing devices 205A-D, examples of which can include device 100. Client computing devices 205 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections through network 230 to one or more remote computers, such as a server computing device 210.

In some implementations, server computing device 210 can be an edge server that receives client requests and coordinates fulfillment of those requests through other servers, such as servers 220A-C. Server computing devices 210 and 220 can comprise computing systems, such as device 100. Though each server computing device 210 and 220 is displayed logically as a single server, server computing devices can each be a distributed computing environment encompassing multiple computing devices located at the same or at geographically disparate physical locations. In some implementations, each server computing device 220 corresponds to a group of servers.

Client computing devices 205 and server computing devices 210 and 220A-C can each act as a server or client to other server/client devices. Server 210 can connect to a database 215. Servers 220A-C can each connect to a corresponding database 225A-C. As discussed above, each server 220A-C can correspond to a group of servers, and each of these servers can share a database or can have their own database. Databases 215 and 225 can warehouse (e.g., store) information such as payment card identifiers, user information, dynamic codes, payment card information, historical transaction information, and expiration dates. Though databases 215 and 225A-C are displayed logically as single units, databases 215 and 225A-C can each be a distributed computing environment encompassing multiple computing devices, can be located within their corresponding server, or can be located at the same or at geographically disparate physical locations.

Network 230 can be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but can also be other wired or wireless networks. Network 230 may be the Internet or some other public or private network. Client computing devices 205A-D can be connected to network 230 through a network interface, such as by wired or wireless communication. While the connections between server 210 and servers 220A-C are shown as separate connections, these connections can be any kind of local, wide area, wired, or wireless network, including network 230 or a separate public or private network.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components 300 which, in some implementations, can be used in a system employing the disclosed technology. The components 300 include hardware 302, general software 320, and specialized components 340. As discussed above, a system implementing the disclosed technology can use various hardware, including processing units 304 (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, APUs, etc.), working memory 306, storage memory 308, and input and output devices 310.

Components 300 can be implemented in a client computing device such as client computing devices 205 or on a server computing device, such as server computing device 210 or 220A-C. In some embodiments, some components of components 300 can be implemented in a client computing device while others are implemented on a server computing device.

General software 320 can include various applications, including an operating system 322, local programs 324, and a basic input output system (BIOS) 326. Specialized components 340 can be subcomponents of a general software application 320, such as local programs 324. Specialized components 340 can include payment card issuing module 344, dynamic code generation module 346, verification application 348, authorization module 350, and components that can be used for transferring data and controlling the specialized components, such as interface 342. In some implementations, components 300 can be in a computing system that is distributed across multiple computing devices or can be an interface to a server-based application executing one or more of specialized components 340.

Payment card issuing module 344 issues a payment card to a user. The payment card can be a credit card, debit card, gift card, store card, or other payment device. The payment card can have a payment card number (e.g., account number) or other identifier and the payment card can be associated with the user in a database. In some embodiments, the payment card can have an expiration date but in other embodiments, the payment card does not have an expiration date. The payment card can be associated with dynamic code generation module 346 and verification application 348.

Dynamic code generation module 346 can generate a code or token (e.g., 3 digit, 4 digit, letters) associated with the payment card. The dynamic code can change periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, monthly), randomly, or when triggered by an event (e.g., breach of security, use of the dynamic code). The dynamic code can also change upon receiving a triggering event or request. For example, if the information associated with a payment card has been compromised in a data breach, for example, a request can be sent to the dynamic code generation module 346 to change the dynamic code associated with the payment card. In some embodiments, dynamic code generation module 346 is owned or operated by a third party. When dynamic code generation module 346 changes the code associated with the payment card, dynamic code generation module 346 can send the updated code to verification application 348 and/or to the payment card issuer. The dynamic code can be used in place of a CVV2 type security code in a CNP transaction or in place of or in addition to a CVV1 type security code in a CP transaction.

Verification application 348 can reside on a device associated with the user of the payment card or can reside on a server and be accessed via a device. The verification application 348 can display the dynamic code to the user to provide to a merchant or website. For example, for CNP transactions, the user can input/provide/state an identifier of the payment card (e.g., payment card number, expiration date, user's name, address) and in place of the traditional CVV2 (or similar security code), input/provide/state the code displayed on the verification application 348 at the time the user is requesting the transaction. For CP transactions, the user (or retailer) can input the dynamic code into an electronic device associated with the merchant (e.g., merchant computing device, point of sale device, kiosk, or terminal) such that the dynamic code can replace the traditional CVV1, or in the case of chip-enabled cards (CVV3), simply provide an additional security measure. In some embodiments, the traditional security codes (e.g., CVV1 and CVV2) can be used in addition to the dynamic code. Verification application 348 can be one type of channel used by the user to obtain the dynamic code. Other types of channels include a web portal, phone call (e.g., user obtains code from IVR or representative), and SMS message (e.g., user types a retrieval message to the payment card issuer and payment card issuer sends dynamic code).

In some embodiments, the user is required to authenticate to the device and/or channel such as verification application 348 to obtain access to the dynamic code. For example, the user can be authenticated to the device and/or channel by providing biometric information, a personal identification number, or a password. In some embodiments, verification application 348 (or other channel) can operated by the same party as dynamic code generation module 346. In some embodiments, verification application 348 (or other channel) can be operated by and integrated into an application associated with the payment card issuer.

In some implementations, verification application 348 (or other channel) can include information about the payment cards such as purchases, balances and previous dynamic codes. In other embodiments, verification application 348 provides only dynamic codes. Verification application 348 can provide dynamic codes for multiple payment cards and can include an indication of the time remaining (e.g., a countdown, watch, or timer) for each of the current dynamic codes. In some embodiments, multiple payment cards can be listed with a corresponding dynamic code and/or the countdown until the dynamic code changes on one tab of the application or one webpage of a website; in other embodiments, the user can select a payment card from the list of payment cards to view the dynamic code and/or the remaining time.

In some embodiments, for the user to access or view the dynamic code, the device must be within a predetermined proximity of, paired with (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth), or on the same network as a certain second device. In some embodiments, the second device transmits the dynamic code to the user's device when the devices are paired, or when the devices are paired and the user accesses an application (e.g., the application sends a request to the second device). In some embodiments, prior to the user's device displaying the dynamic code, verification application 348 on the user's device determines whether the user's device is within the proximity of/paired with the second device. Verification application 348 can display an icon that shows whether the dynamic code is available to the user so that the user can more easily see whether a transaction will be authorized. For example, the icon can use colors such as red when the dynamic code is not available and green when the dynamic code is available. The user can select the icon to obtain the dynamic code. In some implementations, certain purchases can be made even without the second device being within a proximity of or paired with the user's device. The dynamic code may or may not be required for such purchases. For example, the user may be able to make a purchase of gasoline regardless of the location of the second device. In some implementations, the user can scan an item (e.g., barcode) or look up a merchant location using a device to determine whether the dynamic code is required for the purchase.

In some implementations, for additional security, the payment card issuer (or third party) can verify that the user authenticated to a channel to access the dynamic code within a time period prior to the transaction authorization request. In some embodiments, a predetermined time period can be set (e.g., the user is required to have accessed the channel within an hour prior to the payment card issuer receiving the transaction authorization request). In other embodiments, the time period can begin when the dynamic code changed to the dynamic code that was active at the time of the transaction and can end at the time of the transaction. Thus, the system can verify that the user accessed the channel during the relevant time period. The system can further verify that the user provided authentication credentials (e.g., username/password, biometric information, personal identification number) which were verified within the time period. In some implementations, the payment card issuer can look at a history of interactions with the user to ensure that the user accessed a particular tab in the application or web page in the web portal to obtain the dynamic code. In some implementations, there are two or more authorized users of the same payment card. In such cases, the payment card issuer can ensure that the authentication credentials belong to the specific user requesting the transaction. In an alternative embodiment, the payment card issuer can ensure that any one of the authorized users of the payment card accessed the channel by providing authentication credentials within the time period. The extra security of ensuring that an authorized user was authenticated to a channel to obtain the dynamic code during the relevant time period can prevent circumstances in which a fraudster or malicious program “guesses” the dynamic code at the time of the transaction.

Authorization module 350 can receive a request for authorization for a transaction that uses the payment card. The request can be received from a remote computing device such as an electronic device associated with a merchant (e.g., point of sale) or a payment processor. The request can include an identifier of the payment card, an amount of the transaction (or estimated amount as in the case of a restaurant), and a verification code provided by the user. Authorization module 350 can identify the payment card using the identifier and determine whether there is sufficient funds or credit available or if there is any other reason the transaction should be denied. Authorization module 350 can compare the verification code with a value of the dynamic code at the time the transaction was requested. The dynamic code at the time of the transaction can be requested/received from the dynamic code generation module 346.

Authorization module 350 can authorize the transaction when the verification code received by authorization module 350 matches the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction. As mentioned, the time of the transaction can be the time at which the merchant makes an authorization request for the transaction. In some embodiments, authorization module 350 denies the transactions when the verification code does not match the dynamic code. In other embodiments, when the verification code does not match the dynamic code, the dynamic code immediately prior to the dynamic code at the time of the transaction (or previous dynamic codes within a timeframe of the transaction) can be reviewed to determine whether the user missed the changing of the dynamic code by a predetermined timeframe (e.g., a few seconds) to account for delay in the payment processing systems or for the time between the user providing the dynamic code and the merchant requesting authorization. That way, a transaction will not be denied if timing was such that the dynamic code changed close to or at the same time the user was inputting the verification code. Authorization module 350 can send authorization or denial messages to the merchant or payment processing system.

In some embodiments, the user will not be able to access the dynamic code unless the second device is within a proximity of or paired with the user's device. Under such circumstances, authorizing module 350 can simply check to make sure that the verification code matches the dynamic code and thereafter authorize the transaction if they match. In other embodiments, the user can access the dynamic code regardless of whether the user's device is within a proximity of or paired with the second device. In such circumstances, authorization module 350 can check whether the user's device is within a proximity of or paired with the second device.

In some implementations, prior to authorizing the transaction, authorization module 350 can determine whether the user accessed verification application 348 or otherwise properly obtained the dynamic code through a channel. To do so, authorization module 350 can determine whether the user successfully accessed a channel (e.g., provided authentication credentials which were verified) within a particular time period prior to receiving the authorization request. For example, the time period can be a certain time period (e.g., the user must have accessed the channel within ten minutes prior to the authorization request) or the time period can change with each transaction (e.g., begin when the dynamic code changed to the dynamic code active at the time of the transaction and end at the time of the transaction). Thus, in some embodiments, authorization module 350 authorizes the transaction only after determining that the verification code matches the dynamic code at the time of the transaction, determining that the second device is within a proximity of or paired with the user's device, and determining that the user was authenticated to a channel within a relevant time period prior to receiving the request for authorization.

When the dynamic code is generated by a remote computing device associated with a third party, authorization module 350 can request the dynamic code at the time of the transaction from the remote computing device to verify that the verification code matches the dynamic code. In other embodiments, the remote computing device constantly sends the dynamic code to authorization module 350 (e.g., the payment issuer) so that authorization module 350 (or a database) can check the value of the dynamic code at any time. In some embodiments, authorization module 350, a merchant device, or a payment processor sends the payment card identifier, the verification code, and the time of the transaction to the remote computing device and the remote computing device determines whether the verification code matches the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction, and optionally, whether a channel was successfully accessed within the relevant time period. The remote computing device can send results to authorization module 350, merchant device or the payment processor.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 described above, and in each of the flow diagrams discussed below, may be altered in a variety of ways. For example, the order of the logic may be rearranged, substeps may be performed in parallel, illustrated logic may be omitted, other logic may be included, etc. In some implementations, one or more of the components described above can execute one or more of the processes described below.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a set of operations 400 for restricting use of a payment card using a digital code and a second device. Receiving operation 402 receives a request from a first device for a dynamic code via an application. Decision operation 404 determines whether the first device is paired with (or within a proximity of) a second device (e.g., parent's device). When the first device is not paired with (or within a proximity of) the second device, decision operation 404 branches to obfuscating operation 406 which obfuscates or otherwise does not display the dynamic code. When the first device is paired with (or within a proximity of) the second device, decision operation branches to displaying operation 408 which displays the dynamic code. The user can then provide the code to a merchant or directly to an authorizing entity when a transaction is requested.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a set of operations 500 for authorizing a payment card transaction using a dynamic code and a second device. Issuing operation 502 issues a payment card to a user. Receiving operation 504 receives authentication credentials from a user to access a channel (e.g., application, web portal). Allowing operation 506 allows the user to access the channel after verifying the authentication credentials. Receiving operation 508 receives a request for authorization of a transaction. The request can be received from a remote computing device (e.g., payment processor computing device, merchant computing device) and can include an identifier of the payment card and a verification code, among other information (e.g., time user requested transaction). Identifying operation 510 identifies the payment card using the identifier (e.g., account number of the payment card).

Obtaining operation 512 obtains the dynamic code that was active at the time of the transaction. The dynamic code can be obtained internally from a code generator or from a third-party provider of dynamic codes. Comparing operation 514 compares the verification code received in the authorization request with the dynamic code active at the time of the transaction. Determining operation 516 determines whether the user accessed the channel within a time period of the system receiving the request for authorization of the transaction. In some implementations, determining operation 516 further determines whether the user actually accessed a dynamic code web page, tab in a mobile application, or other part of a channel providing dynamic codes to fully ensure that the user in fact obtained the dynamic code from the payment issuer. Next, determining operation 518 determines whether an authorizing device (e.g., a device associated with a parent) is within a proximity of or paired with the user's device.

Decision operation 520 determines (1) whether the verification code received in the authorization request matches the dynamic code at the time of the transaction, (2) whether the user accessed the channel with the time period, and (3) whether the user device is paired with or within a proximity of the second device. In response to any of these conditions not being met, decision operation 520 branches to denying operation 522 where the transaction request is denied. In response to all of these conditions being met, decision operation 518 branches to authorizing operation 524 where the transaction is authorized.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process used in some implementations for authorizing a payment card transaction using a dynamic code and a second device. As shown, the dynamic code generator can periodically, randomly, or upon request generate a code or token and send it to a channel such as a verification application on a user device. The user device can receive a request to access the dynamic code. In response, the user device can check whether the user device is paired with or in proximity of a second device. When the user device is paired with or within a proximity of a second device, the application can display the dynamic code for the user.

The user device (or a different device associated with the user) can request a transaction from a merchant (e.g., at a website, retail location). The merchant can request payment card information from the user such as an account number, expiration date (if applicable), billing address, and verification code. The user can access the verification application on the user device to obtain the verification code (i.e., dynamic code). The user or user device can provide the payment card information, including the verification code, to the merchant (e.g., via the website, at a terminal or kiosk at the merchant location).

The merchant or payment processor can send an authorization request with the payment card information to the payment issuer computing device. The payment issuer computing device can check whether the funds or credit are available for the user of the payment card and can request the dynamic code at the time of the transaction from the dynamic code generator. The dynamic code generator can return the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction. The payment issuer computing device can check whether the verification code matches the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction.

In some implementations, the payment issuer computing device also verifies that the user accessed the verification application (or other channel) within a certain time period to obtain the dynamic code. In some embodiments, to access the verification application, the user is required to provide authentication credentials. Thus, verifying that the user accessed the verification application provides an additional layer of security for the payment card issuer. The payment issuer computing device can send an authorization or denial of the transaction based on one or more factors including whether funds/credit is available, whether the verification code matches the dynamic code, and whether the user accessed the verification application within the certain time period.

CONCLUSION

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

Several implementations of the disclosed technology are described above in reference to the figures. The computing devices on which the described technology may be implemented can include one or more central processing units, memory, input devices (e.g., keyboards and pointing devices), output devices (e.g., display devices), storage devices (e.g., disk drives), and network devices (e.g., network interfaces). The memory and storage devices are computer-readable storage media that can store instructions that implement at least portions of the described technology. In addition, the data structures and message structures can be stored or transmitted via a data transmission medium, such as a signal on a communications link. Various communication links can be used, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or a point-to-point dial-up connection. Thus, computer-readable media can comprise computer-readable storage media (e.g., “non-transitory” media) and computer-readable transmission media.

As used herein, being above a threshold means that a value for an item under comparison is above a specified other value, that an item under comparison is among a certain specified number of items with the largest value, or that an item under comparison has a value within a specified top percentage value. As used herein, being below a threshold means that a value for an item under comparison is below a specified other value, that an item under comparison is among a certain specified number of items with the smallest value, or that an item under comparison has a value within a specified bottom percentage value. As used herein, being within a threshold means that a value for an item under comparison is between two specified other values, that an item under comparison is among a middle specified number of items, or that an item under comparison has a value within a middle specified percentage range.

As used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item, such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

The above Detailed Description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the technology. Some alternative implementations of the technology may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements.

These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology are presented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the technology is recited as a computer-readable medium claim, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a means-plus-function claim. Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for”, but use of the term “for” in any other context is not intended to invoke treatment under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application to pursue such additional claim forms, in either this application or in a continuing application. 

I claim:
 1. A system comprising: a mobile application running on a first device associated with a first user, the mobile application configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a request to display a dynamic code associated with a payment card, in response to receiving the request to display the dynamic code, determine whether a second device is electronically paired with the first device, and in response to determining that the second device is electronically paired with the first device, allowing the first user to access the dynamic code; and a server configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, at a payment issuer computing device, a request for authorization of a transaction using the payment card, wherein the request is from a remote computing device associated with a merchant and identifies at least a verification code associated with the payment card and an identifier of the payment card, determining the first device associated with the first user is within a distance threshold of the second device of a second user; determining the first user of the payment card provided authentication credentials to access a channel within a time period prior to receiving the request for authorization; in response to the first device being within the distance threshold of the second device and the first user credentials within the time period: comparing the verification code with a value of the dynamic code at a time of the transaction, and authorizing the transaction based at least in part in response to the verification code matching the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic code is accessible to the first user via the channel.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first device is electronically paired with the second device when the first device is communicably coupled to the second device via a short-range communication protocol or when the first device and the second device are accessing the same local area network.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein in response to the first device being communicably coupled to the second device, receiving, by the first device, the dynamic code in response to the first user accessing the mobile application.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second device transmits the dynamic code to the first device in response to the first device being communicably coupled with the second device and the first user accessing the mobile application.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second user is a different user than the first user.
 7. A computerized method comprising: receiving, at a payment issuer computing device, a request for authorization of a transaction using a payment card from a first user of a first device, wherein the request is from a remote computing device associated with a merchant and identifies at least a verification code associated with the payment card and an identifier of the payment card, and wherein the payment card has an associated dynamic code accessible via a first channel; determining the first device associated with the first user is within a distance threshold of a second device associated with a second user; determining the first user of the payment card provided authentication credentials to access the first channel within a time period prior to receiving the request for authorization; in response to the first device being within the distance threshold of the second device and the first user providing the authentication credentials within the first channel with the time period: comparing, at the payment issuer computing device, the verification code with a value of the dynamic code at a time of the transaction; and in response to the verification code matching the dynamic code at the time of the transaction, authorizing the transaction.
 8. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: requesting authentication credentials to access the first channel; receiving the authentication credentials; and verifying the authentication credentials before allowing the first user to access the first channel.
 9. The computerized method of claim 8, further comprising: determining the first user of the payment card accessed the first channel within the time period prior to receiving the request for authorization by verifying that the first user accessed a tab displaying the dynamic code within the time period.
 10. The computerized method of claim 9, wherein the time period begins when the dynamic code transitions to the dynamic code active at the time of the transaction and ends at the time of the transaction.
 11. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the payment card is not present at a physical merchant location, and wherein the dynamic code replaces a security code associated with the payment card.
 12. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the payment card is present at a physical merchant location, wherein the dynamic code replaces a security code associated with the payment card, and wherein the first user provides the verification code to an electronic device at the physical merchant location.
 13. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the dynamic code changes one of: periodically, randomly, or when triggered by an event.
 14. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the dynamic code is generated by a remote computer associated with a third party, and wherein the method further comprises requesting, from the remote computer associated with the third party, the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction.
 15. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the first device is within the distance threshold of the second device in response to the first device being communicably coupled to the second device via a short-range communication protocol.
 16. The computerized method of claim 15, wherein in response to the first device being communicably coupled to the second device, receiving, by the first device, the dynamic code in response to the first user accessing a mobile application via the first device.
 17. The computerized method of claim 16, wherein the second device transmits the dynamic code to the first device in response to the first device being communicably coupled with the second device and the first user accessing the mobile application.
 18. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the second user is a different user than the first user.
 19. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: in response to the verification code not matching the value of the dynamic code at the time of the transaction: comparing the verification code to a previous value of the dynamic code; and authorizing the transaction in response to the previous value of the dynamic code matching the verification code and the previous value of the dynamic code being within a timeframe of the transaction. 